program stories
Naomi 24
summer of 2017
from Naples, Italy
My name is Naomi Cino, I'm 24 years old and I'm from Naples, Italy. I completed my secondary education in Tourism and Hospitality six years ago, and after that I got the chance to work and travel in many places across the world.
During my studies, I also attended for five years a private acting school, and at the age of 19, I obtained the rare opportunity to begin a professional career in the theatrical sector. This year, in particular, in order to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the publication of Martin Luthers 95 theses, I've been acting in a film about the effects of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century Naples. In addition to being an actress, I'm a self-taught pianist and singer, indeed I play the piano during the Church service and join the singing group.
Truth is I was lacking a relationship with God. I considered the Bible as a book full of good stories with moral lessons that were supposed to teach me the difference between good and evil, but I trusted more in myself and was convinced that I could deal with any situation on my own. Anyway, what worried me about this way of proceeding was that it made me feel completely empty. Yet, the Lord hadn't given up on me, so He put on my path a sister in Christ who spoke very highly of Brunel Manor Christian Centre. Her description of the place evoked, in my mind, the memories and the images of all the volunteers I met when I was a child at Casa Materna.
Deep in my heart I knew there was something I needed to learn, so I decided to spend three months volunteering in the U.K. There was a bench at Brunel Manor that said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” on it. When I first arrived there I used to sit on that bench alone, but as time passed, I started to share it with Jesus Christ more and more. I had finally realized that He was my reason to live and the only way to eternal life. All He asked me to do was just rely on Him and learn more about His Word.
If there's something Brunel Manor has taught me, it's that there’s a lot we can learn about the Lord through the relationships and bonds that we create with others. So, when my pastor told me about the opportunity to join the Epworth League Discipleship Summer Program, I didn't hesitate for a second and applied.
I knew that being part of Epworth League team would help me to serve God by serving others, participate in social and educational activities and share my life experiences, skills, and passions with a community. In that process I am hopeful that the Lord will direct my steps to figure out His plans for my life and learn how to cultivate my talents wisely.